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THE 

DENTAL ADVISEE: 

A 

TREATISE ON THE NATURE, DISEASES AND 
MANAGEMENT 

OF THE 

TEETH, 

MOUTH, GUMS, &C, 

BY 

THOMAS PALMER, 

i \ 

DOCTOR OF DENTAL SURGERY; FELLOW OF THE 
AMERICAN SOCIETY OF DENTAL SURGEONS, E1C. 



FITCHBXTRG: 

PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOR. 

1853. 



£ 



4>\ 



<?v^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1853, 

By THOMAS PALMER, D. D. SL, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts. 



JOHN J. PIPER, PRINTER, FITCHBURG. 



PREFACE. 



The following work is designed to give 
correct and reliable information in regard 
to the nature, diseases and treatment of 
the human teeth, mouth, gums, etc., and 
also to give the most important and gen- 
eral rules for the preservation of the teeth, 
and to show the great benefits which may 
be derived from the Dental Art. 

The author being an uncompromising 
opponent of empiricism, wishes to give 
information to the inexperienced and un- 
suspecting, to enable them to guard a- 
gainst the widely extended impositions 
which are practised at the present day, in 
this profession. 



IV PREFACE. 

It being manifest that the community 
are not generally aware of the vast import- 
ance of the subject here presented, there- 
fore there is a call for a work of this des- 
cription. 

The views herein expressed are intend- 
ed to be in accordance with the various 
modern improvements in the science, and 
with the Principles and Practice of Den- 
tal Surgery, as taught generally in the 
Dental Colleges. 



CONTENTS. 



Description of the Teeth, 9 

Cut, showing the Forms of the Teeth of First 

Dentition, 13 

First Dentition, or Infantile Teething, 14 

Effects and Treatment of First Dentition,. . 15 

Shedding of the Temfqrary Teeth, 19 

Cut, Showing the Forms of the Teeth of Sec- 
ond Dentition, 21 

Second Dentition, 29 

Supernumerary Teeth, 23 

Irregularity of the Teeth, 24 

Caries, or Decay of the Teeth, 26 

Tartar, or Salivary Calculus, 28 

Importance of a Healthy Mouth, 30 

Beautiful Teeth, 32 



Vl CONTENTS. 

Toothache or Odontalgia, 34 

Effects of Tobacco upon the Teeth, 37 

Extraction of Teeth, 38 

Hemorrhage after Extraction of Teeth, 41 

Cleansing the Teeth, , 42 

Tooth Brushes and Tooth Picks, 44 

DentifriceSj > 45 

Filling Teeth, 47 

Materials for Filling Teeth, . . 52 

Artificial Teeth, 55 

Artificial Palates and Obturators, 60 

Chloroform and Ether, 61 

Quackery, 63 

Qualifications Requisite for a Dentist, 70 

Dental Education, 72 



DENTAL ADVISER. 



DESCRIPTION OF TIIE TEETH. 

The Teeth are organs of prehension 
and mastication. They are the most dense 
portions of the whole system, located at 
the entrance of the alimentary canal, oc- 
cupying the alveolar cavities of the upper 
and lower jaws, and forming two curves 
or dental arches. 

The different portions of a tooth are 
called the crown, the neck, and the fang, 
or root. The teeth, in structure, are com- 
posed of four different parts, viz : the en- 
amel, the bone, the pulp, and the cement- 
um. The enamel covers the crown and 
extends to the neck of the tooth. It is 
the hardest of all animal substances ; it 
is generally of a pearly white, and is 
much harder on some teeth than on others. 



If) THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

3 bone or ivory forms all the hard por- 

i of the tooth except the enamel and 
cementum. It is composed of earthy and 

mal substances, and is more or less sen* 
e. The pulp is the soft vascular sub- 

ice within the tooth, srivins: to it vi- 
tality ; it contains the nerve of the tooth, 
and is extremely sensitive. The cemen- 
turn is a thin covering of the root, and is 

Liar to the bone, excepting it is more 

cular. 
The teeth are of two divisions ; the 

porary or infantile, and the perma- 
nent or adult teeth. The temporary teeth 

twenty in number, ten in each jaw, 
and are of three classes : — Incisors, Cus- 
pids, and Molars. 

tie permanent teeth are thirty-two in 
ber, sixteen in each jaw. and of four 

jes : — Incisors, Cuspids, Bicuspids and 

irs. The four front teeth in each 

are called Incisors, fron incido, to 

« it, their office being to cut the food. 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 11 

The two central ones are called central 
incisors, the outer ones, lateral incisors. 
The incisors of the upper jaw are larger 
than those of the lower. The central in- 
cisors of the upper jaw arc much wider 
than the laterals of the same, but re- 
semble them in shape. The lateral in- 
cisors of the lower jaw are generally a 
little wider than the centrals, though the 
difference is not very perceptible. 

Next to the incisors are situated the 
teeth with conical crowns, one on each 
side in both jaws, called cuspids, from 
pis, a point. They are commonly 
known as canine or eye-teeth. Their of- 
fice is to arrest and tear the food : hence 
we find that carnivorous animals are 
abundantly supplied with teeth of this 
cla s 

The next, four in each jaw, two on 

both sides, are called Bicuspids, from bi$\ 

twice, and cuspis, a point ; being so called 

1 their having two distinct points on 



12 THE DEXTAL ADVISER. 

their grinding surfaces, one outer and one 
inner. 

The bicuspids belong only to the second 
or permanent teeth, and supply the place 
of the temporary molars. 

The next, four in each jaw, two on 
either side, are called molars, from mola, 
a mill-stone, or that w T hich grinds. They 
are distinguished by their greater size, 
and the number of protuberances and de- 
pressions on their grinding surfaces. The 
use of the molars as their name signifies, 
is to triturate or grind the food. This is 
the full complement of teeth in the mouth 
of a person at the age of fifteen. 

There are four others, two in each jaw, 
one on each side, that generally appear 
between the eighteenth and the twenty- 
third year. They are sometimes called 
molars, but more commonly denies sapien- 
ticc, or wisdom teeth, from the fact that 
the individual has arrived to years of dis- 
cretion before they appear. In many in- 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 



13 



stances they are attended with, much 
trouble and pain, and their extraction 
sometimes becomes necessary as soon as 
they present themselves above the gum. 
In some cases they never appear. Thus 
it will be seen that the entire number of 
teeth in the mouth of an adult is thirty- 
two. 



F0R3IS OF THE TEETH OF FIRST DENTITION. 




EXPLANATION. 

Figure Is, Central Incisors; 2s, Lateral Incisors; 
3s, Cuspids; 4s, First Molars; 5s, Second Molars. 



1-4 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

FIRST DENTITION OR INFANTILE TEETHING. 

The period of the eruption of the de- 
ciduous or temporary teeth is variable, 
depending probably upon the constitu- 
tional health of the child. The time and 
order in which they usually appear are as 
follows : 

The central incisor from 5 to 8 a S n ^, 
u lateral incisor " 7 to 10 " 
" first molars " 12 to 16 " 

" cuspids " 14 to 20 " 

" second molars " 20 to 36 " 

No certain rules can be given that are 
not subject to deviations. Cases do some- 
times occur in which dentition does not 
commence until the fifteenth or twentieth 
month ; while on the other hand, such is 
the precocity of action, that a number of 
fully developed teeth have been found in 
the mouth at birth, and in some cases the 



THE DENTAL ADVISEE. 

molar teeth are the first to make their 
pearance. 

In the mouth of a child at the age of 
three years, there are twenty teeth, ten 
in each jaw. Between the fourth i 
sixth year, four large molar teeth are 
erupted immediately back of those 
which we have been speaking. These are 
the first of the permanent class, and na- 
ture supplies them but once. Hence the 
necessity for keeping the mouth and teeth 
clean and healthy in early childhood. 



EFFECTS AND TREATMENT OF FIRST DENTITION. 

The symptoms which accompany first 
dentition are often of the most alarming 
character. The whole process, however. 
is sometimes completed without inconvr- 
nience. but at other times, is attended with 



16 THE DENTAL ADVISEH. 

so much pain and irritation that the most 
complicated forms of disease result from 
it, and it is regarded as a critical period of 
life. When the irritation is merely local, 
it subsides as soon as the teeth appear 
through the gums ; but when the irrita- 
tion is severe it is frequently attended 
with various cutaneous erruptions on diff- 
erent parts of the body, also with cough, 
diarrhoea, convulsions, and sometimes 
death. The gums of the infant during 
the whole period of teething, should be 
often rubbed with the finger, in order to 
render the scarf skin firm, and to cause a 
natural absorption for the advancing teeth, 
without soreness, pain, or inflammation. 

"Where the gums are irritable or swollen, 
the most important and sure remedy is the 
use of the gum lancet, freely cutting them 
down to the teeth, which will relieve the 
disease and remedy the febrile symptoms. 
This practice is thought by many to be 
cruel and unnecessary. We would invite 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 17 

the attention of such to the following lines 
from Brown's Dentologia : 

" The first dentition asks our earliest care, 
For oft, obstructed nature, laboring there, 
Demands assistance of experienced art, 
And seeks from science her appointed part. 
Perhaps ere yet the infant tongue can tell 
The seat of anguish that it knows too well, 
Some struggling tooth, just bursting into day, 
Obtuse and vigorous, urges on its way, 
While inflammation, pain, and bitter cries, 
And flooding tears in sad succession rise. 

The lancet, then, alone can give relief, 
And mitigate the helpless sufferer's grief; 
But no unpracticed hand should guide the steel 
Whose polished point must carry woe or weal : — 
With nicest skill the dentist's hand can touch, 
And neither wound too little nor too much. 

Be prompt to act : — 'tis dangerous to delay, 
Since life awaits the issue of a day : — 
Reject the gentler means : — employ the best : — 
Let unobstructed nature do the rest. 
This rule neglected, many a smiling form, 
With beauty bright, and life blood glowing warm, 
Its parent's pride, a flowret in its bloom, 
Descends lamented to an early tomb." 

As soon as the infant's teeth make their 
appearance through the gums, it should 



18 THE DENTAL ADVISER, 

be the duty of the nurse to clean them 
frequently with a soft brush and water, to 
preserve them from the influence of vitia- 
ted saliva, and other deleterious fluids. 
This practice should be faithfully contin- 
ued through infancy and childhood, until 
the individual is capable of performing it 
properly ; and afterwards it must be a 
habit of life to keep the mouth clean, re- 
membering that " Obedience is better than 
sacrifice." 

Some suppose that the preservation of 
the temporary teeth is unimportant, but 
this is an error, and has led to their almost 
entire neglect. Disease of the temporary 
teeth and their sockets interferes with the 
healthy formative process of the perma- 
nent teeth. 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 19 



SHEDDING OF THE TEMPORARY TEETH. 

The temporary teeth are shed by pairs 
in the order in which they first appeared 
After one pair has been shed, a sufficient 
time usually elapses before the shedding 
of another, for those of the permanent set 
to come forward and take their place. 
Thus the mouth is by nature, never de- 
prived of more than two teeth in each jaw 
at any one time. 

Many think the temporary teeth never 
have roots, inasmuch as they are found to 
be wanting when the teeth drop out. This 
is not so. They have roots proportion- 
ately as large and numerous as the corres- 
ponding ones of the second set, until the 
permanent teeth in their growth begin to 
press upon them ; then by a most won- 
derful operation of the economy of nature, 
the roots of the temporary teeth are ab- 
sorbed as fast as the permanent advance, 



20 THE DENTAL ADYISEH. 

until nothing remains but the crown above 
the gums. 

The temporary teeth may be extracted 
too soon or left too long. If they loosen 
by the absorption of their fangs and allow 
the permanent teeth to take their proper 
place, all will be well ; but if the first teeth 
remain firm, and the second on their ap* 
pearance require room, do not delay to 
give them place by removing the corres- 
ponding ones of the first dentition. In 
all cases where a temporary tooth remains 
after the permanent makes its appearance 
through the gum, it should be extracted, 
as the permanent teeth must have suffi- 
cient room, or irregularity and decay will 
ensue. 



EXPLANATION TO CUT. 

Figure Is, Central Incisors; 2s, Lateral Incisors; 
3s, Cuspids; 4s, First Bicuspids; 5s, Second Bicuspids ; 
6s, First Molars ; 7s, Second Molars ; 8s, Wisdom Teeth. 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 



21 



FORMS OF THE TEETII OF SECOND DENTITION. 

CO, 




22 THE DENTAL ADVISER, 



SECOND DENTITION, 



The times of appearing of the perma- 
nent or adult teeth are as follows : 

First molars from the 5th to the 6th year. 



(Central incisors, 


cc 


6th 


CC 


8th " 


Lateral incisors, 


cc 


7th 


cc 


9th " 


First bicuspids. 


cc 


9th 


cc 


10th « 


Second " 


cc 


10th 


cc 


lUth « 


Cuspids, 


cc 


11th 


cc 


12th " 


Second molars, 


a 


12th 


CC 


14th " 


Wisdom teeth, 


cc 


18th 


CC 


23d " 



The irritation consequent upon the 
eruption of the permanent teeth, is usually 
very slight, with the exception of the wis- 
dom teeth, which often cause much trouble 
by their being prevented from coming out 
for want of sufficient room. The proper 
treatment in this case is the extraction of 
the offending tooth. 

The first adult molar teeth are often 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 23 

supposed to belong to the temporary set, 
and no attention is given to them. But as 
ery subject to decay, no pains 
should be spared to preserve thorn, for they 
hold an important office through life. 

During the whole period of second den- 
tition, the teeth should be often examined 
by a skillful practitioner, and if he give to 
them the necessary care and attention, the 
mouth will in most instances, be furnish- 
ed with a healthy, well arranged, and 
beautiful set of teeth. 

Supernumerary Teeth. — There sometimes 
appear more than the usual number of 
teeth. They are generally imperfect in 
their formation, and often occasion irregu- 
larity in the arrangement of the others, 
and give a disagreeable appearance to the 
mouth. Therefore in all cases they should 
be extracted as soon as they are fully de- 
veloped. 



2-1 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 



IRREGULARITY OP THE TEETH. 

"Now mark the contrast in some hideous face, 

Robbed by neglect, of symmetry and grace : 

Behold those organs, formed on nature's plan, 

To serve important purposes to man; 

To form the sounds in which his thoughts are dres'uV 

His wishes uttered and his love confest ; 

To fit his solid food of every name, 

For healthy action on the general frame j 

Behold these organs, wasted by abuse, 

From wisest purpose, and from noblest U3e, 

Deranged, displaced, distorted, set awry, 

Disgusting objects of deformity ! 

Such mal-formations hardier man perplex, 

But, with more grief, afflict the softer sex ; — 

But learn the remedy — the dentist's skill, 

Subjects disordered nature to his will ; 

So he — the master of the dental art, 

Can order, grace, and symmetry impart. 

Such benefits this useful science lends, 

To earliest youth ; — and yet its aid extends 

To following years, assuaging mortal pain, 

And oft restoring beauty's flowery reign." 

[Dentologia. 

The temporary teeth are usually quite 
regular in their arrangement, but the per- 
manent are notunfrequently very irregular, 



LL ADVISER. 25 

protruding from almost any part of the 
jaw and in almost any direction, causing 
great inconvenience in mastication and in 
speaking, also injuring the form and beau- 
ty of the mouth and face. They are much 
more liable to decay than other teeth. 
This irregularity is most commonly occa- 
sioned by their coming in contact with the 
'adjoining temporary teeth, by being too 
large for the space left for them, or by 
narrowness of the jaws. 

When a temporary tooth gives a wrong 
direction to the permanent, it should be 
extracted, and the deviating tooth should 
be pressed several times a day with the 
finger, hi the proper direction. This will 
generally be all that is requisite. But 
when irregularity is the result of a narrow- 
ness of the jaw, or want of room, it is us- 
ually necessary to extract one or more of 
the permanent teeth on each side of the 
jaw in order to make room for those that 

are improperly situated, and by applying 

2 



26 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

pressure in a proper direction with a vari- 
ety of fixtures for the purpose, a skillful 
practitioner can adjust the most irregular 
set of teeth, if attended to before the indi- 
vidual arrives to years of maturity, and 
can bring them into a complete arch. 



CARIES OR DECAY OF TEETH. 

" Destructive caries comes with secret stealth 
T' avenge the violated laws of health. 
Dilapidates the teeth by slow decay, 
And bears them all successively away. 5 ' 

Caries is the most common disease to 
which the teeth are subject. It was for- 
merly supposed to arise from some inter- 
nal cause, but more modern investigations 
have proved that it is the decomposition of 
the earthy part of the hard portion of the 
teeth, usually occasioned by acetic and 
vitiated matter retained in contact with 



Tin; DENTAL ADVISER. 27 

them, arising' from particles of food, from 
the fluids of the mouth, and from a de- 
ranged state of the system. Decay of the 
teeth usually commences in their intersti- 
ces, and in the parts which come in con- 
tact with each other, or in cracks of the 
enamel caused by sudden transitions from 
heat to cold, or external violence, and also 
at any other part of the teeth where for- 
eign matter is most liable to lodge. — 
There are also indirect causes of caries, 
such as tartar upon the teeth, effects of 
mercury hi the general system, artificial 
teeth improperly inserted or of bad mate- 
rials, and roots of teeth remaining in the 
gums. 



28 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 



TARTAR OR SALIYARY CALCULUS. 

" If sloth or negligence the task forbear 

Of making cleanliness a daily care ; 

In dark disguise insidious tartar comes, 

Incrusts the teeth and irritates the gums, 

Till vile deformity usurps the seat 

Where smiles should play and winning graces meet, 

And foul disease pollutes the fair domain, 

Where health, and purity should ever reign." 

Tartar is the earthy substance deposited 
on the teeth by the saliva. It is found hi 
greatest abundance on the outer surfaces 
of the upper molars, and on the inner 
surfaces of the lower incisors ; these teeth 
being situated opposite the mouths of the 
salivary ducts. 

The presence of tartar upon the teeth 
is always productive of injury. At first, 
it is so soft that it may easily be removed 
with a brush ; but when permitted to ac- 
cumulate for any great length of time, it 
becomes nearly as hard as the teeth. The 
saliva is vitiated, and the gums become so 



THE DENTAL AT/, [SEE, 29 

sensitive that a tooth-brush cannot he 
used without causing- great pain, and con- 
sequently no attempt is made to cleanse 
the mouth. As it continues to increase, 
it attaches itself to the crown and neck of 
the tooth, sometimes in quantities equal 
in bulk to the tooth itself, eating dow r n 
the gums, loosening the tooth and causing 
it to decay, until one by one the teeth fall 
victims to its desolating ravages. Whole 
sets of the best constituted teeth are in 
this way frequently destroyed. Not only 
are the teeth injured by tartar, but the 
breath is oftentimes so affected by it as to 
emit an almost insufferably offensive odor. 

Tartar adheres very firmly to the teeth, 
and can not be safely removed by chemi- 
cal agents, but can only with difficulty be 
removed with instruments nicely adapted 
for the purpose. 

Much skill and tact are requisite to re- 
move it properly, especially from between 
the teeth. 



30 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 



IMPORTANCE OF A HEALTHY MOUTH. 

Most people in civilized communities 
give much attention to their health, and 
to general cleanliness of person, but at 
the same time seem almost wholly to for- 
get the mouth, until attention is called to 
it by disease and pain. More trouble and 
suffering often arise from an unhealthy 
state of the mouth and teeth, than from 
any other part of the system. 

All ages and conditions suffer more or 
less from this cause alone. It injuriously 
affects both the nervous system and the 
general health. The salivary fluid, bath- 
ing and remaining in contact with ulcera- 
ted gums, decaying teeth and fangs, being 
loaded with vitiated matter, is rendered 
totally unfit for mixing with the food, 
and for reception into the stomach. The 
breath also is corrupted. As one writer 
observes, " The air which is drawn in up- 



THE DEE i'AL Am tSEB. 31 

on the lungs, is rendered poisonous by its 
passage tlirongli this depository of filth/ 1 
There are few blessings of a physical 
nature, greater than sound, healthy teeth. 
" They are an ornament to youth, and a 
comfort to old age," but like most other 
blessings are seldom appreciated, until by 
neglect we are deprived of the use of 
them. But their loss is to a great extent 
unnecessary. To such perfection is the 
science of Dental Surgery now brought, 
that it is in the power of the skillful den- 
tist to insure to almost every person a 
good set of teeth through life, if he will 
but take care of them and avail himself 
of his skill and science before it is too 
late. 



32 THE DEXTAL ADVISEE. 



BEAUTIFUL TEETH. 

" Let azure eyes with coral lips unite, 

And health's vermilion blend with snowy white ; 

Let auburn tresses float upon the gale, 

And flowery garlands all their sweets exhale; 

If once the lips in parting, should display 

The teeth discolored or in disarray, 

The spell dissolves, and beauty in despair 

Beholds her fond pretentions melt in air." 

The Creator seems to have designed not 
only that comfort and utility should charac- 
terize his works, but he has also set upon 
them marks of grace and beauty. These 
are qualities as manifest in the teeth, as 
in the eyes or any part of the " human 
face divine." 

Those on whom nature has generously 
bestowed a sound beautiful set of teeth, 
may justly feel themselves highly favored. 
" The expression and general appearance 
of the face depend much upon the con- 
dition of the teeth. If they are perfect, 
regular, pure, and clean, they contribute 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 33 

more to beauty than any of the other fea- 
tures ; but if i 1 bed, diseased, or in- 
crusted with an offensive accumulation, 
they excite in the beholder both pity and 
disgust." 

We would refer our fair readers to the 
following lines : 

" What pity, blooming girl, 

That lips so ready for a lover 

Should not beneath their ruby casket cover 

One tooth of pearl ! 
But, like a rose beside the church-yard stone, 
Be doomed to blush o'er many a mouldering bone! 

" The dark black eye may be ever so 
piercing, the soft blue eye may melt with 
tenderness, the rose may blossom brightly 
upon a downy cheek, and the graceful 
form, even of the Venus cle Medicis, may 
be found among the softer sex ; yet if the 
teeth are defective, all these charms lose 
their power, 

" As one contrasted fault alone, 
Disarms all conquering beauty of a thousand charms." 



34 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 



TOOTHACHE, OR ODONTALGIA. 

" When caries the solid tooth destroys, 

That sullen enemy to mortal joys, 

The toothache supervenes: — detested name, 

Most justly damned to everlasting fame! 

Thou haggard fiend! of hellish imps the worst, 

To mercy deaf, by sorrowing man accurst; 

Though cheerless days made desolate by thee, 

And long, long nights of sleepless agony, 

Have marked thy fearful reign in days of yore, 

Thy power is crushed, — thy scorpion sting no more 

Affrights the helpless, for the dental art 

Commands thy gloomy terrors to depart, 

Then wipes from beauty's cheek the tears that burn, 

And bids her roses and her smiles return." 

Odontalgia is pain more or less severe 
in the teeth resulting mostly from two 
causes; viz. inflammation of the lining 
membrane and the pulp's being exposed 
by caries, or from inflammation of the al- 
veolar or investing membrane which cov- 
ers the fangs of the teeth. 

Toothache arising from exposed pulp 
or nerve, is very acute, and temporary re- 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 35 

lief can often be afforded by palliatives, 

such as oil of cloves, or any of the essen- 
tial oils, or opiates. 

The entire destruction of the nerve will 
sometimes, though not always, afford per- 
manent relief, but usually extraction is 
the only sure remedy, which should be 
done, unless the tooth is situated in the 
front part of. the mouth, in which case 
the nerve can often bs destroyed with 
good success. Toothache arising from 
inflammation of the investing membrarne, 
is generally of a dull, heavy character, 
sometimes extending to the jaws, face and 
temples, and producing facial neuralgia. 

The inflammation of the investing mem- 
brarne often arises from inflammation of the 
lining membrarne, also from colds, dis- 
eases of the gums, mercurial medicines, 
blows, and jarring of the teeth. This in- 
flammation produces soreness of the teeth, 
causes them to rise up slightly in their 
sockets, sometimes causes the face and 



36 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

jaws to swell to a great extent, and finally 
results in ulceration and loss of the teeth. 

By proper treatment of tooth vis- 

ing from inflammation of the investing 
membrame of the fangs of the teeth, in the 
early stages of the di oft- 

en be afforded by applying mild poulti- 
ces, or hot salt moistened with vinegar 
and laudanum to the face, by bleeding the 
gums, or in some cases even by holding 
cold water in the month an i g it 

to the face. But in many instances their 
extraction is the only remed 

Toothache also from mor- 

bid syi: between the t: : h and ether 

parts of the body, and from a nervous 

apathy with other aching on the 

le side of t . Tic douloureux 

is usual" jeeies of sy * tooth- 

ache, and in m ipally the 

res, : of nervous irritation, 

from diseased teeth and gums, to the jaws, 
face and head. 



3PHE ; ENTAL ADVISER. 37 

u My curse upon your venomed Stan"-, 
That shoots my tortured gums alang, 
And through my lugs gi'es money a twang, 

Wi' gnawing vengeance ! 
Tearing my nerves wi' bitter pang, 

Like racking engines ! 

Where'er the place be priests ca' hell, 
Whence a' the tons: o 5 misery yell, 
And ranked plagues their numbers tell, 

In dreadful raw ; 
Thou — toothache, surely bear'st the bell, 

Amangst them aV — [Burns, 



EFFECTS OF TOBACCO UPON THE TEETH. 

The use of tobacco lias no direct chem- 
ical action upon the teeth, either to pre- 
serve them or cause them to decay. But 
it indirectly injures them as it deranges 
the general health and produces diseases 
of the gums, causing them to recede and 
expose the necks of the teeth. It is true 
that tobacco will sometimes deaden the 
sensibility of exposed nerves of the teeth. 



38 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

and relieve the pain, but -this alone is not 
a sufficient reason for sucli an uncleanly, 
disagreeable, and injurious habit, when 
there are so many other and better agents 
that will produce equally as good effects. 
The use of tobacco, particularly in smok- 
ing, is liable to blacken the teeth and 
give them a very disagreeable appearance. 
Chewing tobacco which is gritty, when 
long continued, wears away the teeth. — 
Also the use of the pipe wears away the 
teeth with which it comes in contact. 



EXTRACTION OF TEETH. 



This is an operation which the dentist 
is often called upon to perform, and one 
to which most persons submit with great 
reluctance. 

The teeth are subject to various ir- 
regularities and numerous diseases, cau- 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 39 

sing much inconvenience and suffering, 
which in many instances can be relieved 
only by their extraction. A few of the 
indications which call for the operation 
are as follows : most cases of severe tooth- 
ache, — the temporary teeth when they ob- 
struct the eruption of the permanent teeth, 
— in treatment of irregularities of teeth, 
— many cases of ulcers and gum boils, — • 
teeth which discharge fetid matter ^through 
carious openings in their crowns from the 
nerve cavity, — and loose and dead teeth 
and roots. It is of vast importance that 
the practitioner should be perfectly fa- 
miliar with the general construction of 
the teeth and all the various irregularities 
and diseases to which they are subject, so 
as to enable him readily to ascertain on 
examination any indications for their ex- 
traction, as he will often be called upon 
to extract teeth which the patient sup- 
poses to be the cause of pain, but on ex- 
amination will be found to be perfectly 



40 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

sound and healthy, the pain at the same 
time arising from teeth in some other lo- 
cation. 

"When the operation of extracting teeth 
is performed by a skillful practitioner and 
with suitable instruments, it is both safe 
and easy, but if attempted by one who is 
ignorant and inexperienced, it may be at- 
tended with serious and even dangerous 
consequences. In unskillful hands it oft- 
en happens that teeth are broken off and 
the roots left in the gums with their 
nerves exposed. 

In some instances portions of the jaw 
have been broken out, carrying with it 
several sound teeth ; and the front teeth 
have sometimes been badly cracked by 
blows of the instruments against them. 
But with one who is experienced such 
accidents seldom if ever occur. 

Formerly the key instrument was the 
only one used for extracting teeth, and its 
use is still continued by some, but is 



1NTAL ADVISER. 41 

mostly dispensed with by the most experi- 
enced dentists. More recently, however, 
there has been invented a variety of in- 
struments, greatly improved and nicely 
adapted to every class of teeth, and dent- 
ists who well understand how to apply 
and use them, can remove teeth with great 
ease and facility. 



HEMORRHAGE AFTER EXTRACTION OF TEETH. 

Sometimes, though rarely, excessive 
bleeding is occasioned by the extraction 
of teeth. In some instances it becomes 
alarming, and it has been known to termi- 
nate fatally. It is through want of prop- 
er knowledge and management that such 
cases ever happen. Excessive hemorr- 
hage after extraction of teeth can in all 
cases be so far checked, even by the pa- 
tient, as to be beyond danger until other 
3 



42 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

aid can be obtained, and in most cases en- 
tirely stopped by putting wads of lint or 
cotton into the orifice and pressing hard 
upon it with the finger. 



CLEANSING THE TEETH. 



The most important rule to be observed 
for the preservation of the teeth is to keep 
them perfectly clean. Any foreign sub- 
stance remaining upon or about them 
night and day, is the principal cause of 
inflammation of the gums, an offensive 
breath, loosening of the teeth, and by- 
soon becoming acetic, occasions a pre- 
mature decay. Cleansing the teeth and 
mouth should with every individual be a 
daily habit. 

" Let each successive day unfailing bring" 
The brush, the dentifrice, and, from the spring 
The cleansing flood : — the labor will be small, 
And blooming health will soon reward it all." 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 43 

It should bo faithfully done after every 
meal, or at least once a day, and that at 
night in preference to morning*. When 
cleansed only in the morning they remain 
so but a short time, and whatever collects 
upon them during the day will remain 
upon them all night ; but if cleansed aft- 
er supper they will be free from food un- 
til breakfast. 

" In sickness the rules for cleanliness 
of the teeth should be more rigidly en- 
forced than at any other time, as then 
they are more exposed to destructive 
agents, and are very liable to participate 
in the general debility and disease of the 
system." 

"When artificial teeth on plates, are 
worn, they should in all cases be taken 
out daily, and by the use of a brush be 
thoroughly cleansed with fine soap and 
water. 



44 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 



TOOTH-BRUSHES AND TOOTH-PICKS. 

The tooth-brush and the tooth-pick are 

the most suitable instruments for clean- 
ing the teeth. Tooth-brushes should not 
be so hard and stiff as to lacerate and 
wound the gums, but should be moder- 
ately soft, and as elastic as possible, yet 
not too soft to effect the object which is 
necessary. 

The best materials for tooth-picks are 
ivory and the goose quill. Metallic sub- 
stances should never be used. 

Some persons make use of a sponge, or 
a cloth, or the finger, for cleaning the 
teeth, but instead of removing foreign 
substances from those parts of the teeth 
most liable to decay, they only remove 
them from the most prominent portions 
of the teeth where there is no danger, 
and leave untouched their depressions and 
contiguous parts. 



TIIK DENTAL ADVISER. 45 

Floss silk is often used to remove sub- 
stances from between the teeth, and is 
one of the best means when properly ap- 
plied. 



DENTIFRICES. 

Tooth powders and washes may some- 
times be advantageously employed in 
cleansing the teeth, and treating diseases 
of the gums. In a healthy condition of 
the teeth, usually no substances need be 
used with the brush, except pure water. 
Many of the dentifrices vended at the 
present day for whitening and beautifying 
the teeth, contain properties which exert 
upon them a deleterious effect. Char- 
coal has been largely used for cleaning 
the teeth, as it has been supposed to con- 
tain properties which would prevent their 
decay. But it is found not only that it 
does not produce the effect ascribed to it, 



46 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

but that its use is productive of injury, 
inasmuch as it gets between the gums 
and necks of the teeth, causing inflamma- 
tion and a black appearance. 

Many dentifrices contain acids and sharp 
gritty substances which should never en- 
ter into their composition, as acids decom- 
pose, and gritty substances wear away the 
enamel of the teeth. When dentifrices 
are used, they should be composed of 
such materials as will tend to purify the 
breath, neutralize any acids that may be 
about the teeth, and remedy sponginess 
or any disease of the gums. 

A small quantity of fine soap pleasant- 
ly flavored, may often be advantageously 
employed in cleansing teeth. 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 47 



FILLING TEETH. 



• " With skill 



The practiced dental surgeon learns to fill 
Each morbid cavity, by caries made, 
With pliant gold : — when thus the parts decayed 
Are well supplied, corrosion, forced to yield 
To conquering art the long contested field, 
Resigns its victim to the smiles of peace, 
And all decay and irritation cease." 

This is an operation for arresting the 
progress of caries of the teeth, by remov- 
ing the diseased parts, and by filling the 
cavity with gold or some other substance. 
This is the most important and at the 
same time the most difficult operation in 
Dental Surgery. Says Dr. C. A. Harris, 
" It oftentimes baffles the skill of opera- 
tors who have been in practice from ten 
to twenty years. It is, also, when well 
performed, the most certain and only 
remedy that can be applied for the cure 
of deep-seated caries. But to be effect- 
ive, it must be executed in the most 



48 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

thorough and perfect manner. The pres- 
ervation of a tooth, when well filled, and 
with a suitable material, if it be after- 
wards kept constantly clean, may be re- 
garded as certain. At any rate, it will 
never be attacked again in the same place 
by caries." 

On this highly important operation, 
Dr. E. Family thus remarks : " If preser- 
vation be as good as cure, this is as good 
as both, for the operation of stopping, 
when thoroughly performed, is both pres- 
ervation and cure. And yet, it must 
never be forgotten, that this assertion is 
true only in those instances in which the 
operation is well and properly done ; and, 
perhaps, it is imperfectly and improperly 
performed more frequently than any other 
operation on the teeth." 

Much labor, mechanical skill, and ex- 
perience, are requisite to excavate carious 
teeth and fill them so as to secure their 
preservation, although many imagine that 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 40 

almost any person with very little knowl- 
edge and experience in the business can 
'* fill teeth. " And indeed almost any 
one can poke out some of the decay and 
foreign matter from carious teeth, and 
stuff in a little filling, as many itinerating 
quacks do at the present day who pro- 
cure a few instruments, and go about 
among strangers, calling themselves Den- 
tists ! They not only deceive those who 
employ them, and take their money, but 
leave them to suppose their teeth are in 
a state of preservation, unaware that de- 
cay is still going on, until it has effected 
their irreparable ruin. 

Xow such practitioners must be dis- 
honest or ignorant of the maimer of per- 
forming the operation, and in either case 
ought not to be entrusted with the treat- 
ment of the diseases of organs so valua- 
ble as the human teeth. It is a very 
common fault with those who have de- 
caying teeth, that they neglect them too 



50 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

long. As tliey experience no inconven- 
ience or pain from them, they apprehend 
no danger, whereas they can not be at- 
tended to too soon. Carious teeth should 
in all cases be filled before their nerves 
are exposed. Then they will be service- 
able and no more subject to decay than 
sound ones ; but if they are neglected un- 
til decay has progressed so far as to ex- 
pose the nerve, their preservation by fill- 
ing is uncertain. If the filling press up- 
on an exposed nerve, the tooth is liable 
to ache, and if filled after the nerve is 
destroyed, it is sooner or later liable to 
ulcerate and discharge matter through 
the gum. In performing the operation 
of filling teeth it is necessary to remove 
very carefully all carious and foreign 
matter lodged in the cavity, to wipe it 
perfectly dry, and press the filling in so 
as to be completely air and water tight, 
leaving its surface as smooth as the tooth 
itself. Teeth filled in this manner may 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 51 

be preserved for many years, and in most 
cases during life. It is important that 
persons should have their teeth frequent- 
ly examined by a skillful dentist, that the 
first appearance of caries may be detected 
and a remedy be applied. When filling 
is neglected too long, teeth can not be 
made so serviceable by the operation, and 
consequently blame is sometimes attached 
to the dentist. 

The operation of filling is usually per- 
formed only upon the second set of teeth ; 
but as their health and regularity depend 
much upon the healthy condition of the 
first set, these also, in many cases, should 
be filled whenever they begin to decay. 



52 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 



MATERIALS FOR FILLING TEETH. 

Various materials have been used for 
filling teeth, and all of them are more or 
less objectionable, except gold, which, in 
the opinion of the author, is the only one 
that should ever be employed for this 
purpose ; and teeth which are worth fill- 
ing with any substance can be filled with 
gold. The gold, however, should be per- 
fectly pure, and pressed so firmly and 
solid into the cavity as to be impermeable 
to the fluids of the mouth. 

Thus in almost every case the perma- 
nent preservation of a tooth may be ef- 
fectually secured. 

Tin foil is less objectionable than most 
other articles used for filling teeth. When 
properly prepared and well inserted into 
the cavity, it will sometimes effectually 
preserve the tooth. It is considerably 
used, particularly for filling large cavities 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 53 

in the back teeth, in cases where patients 
do not wish to pay for a more costly ma- 
terial. Tin is less durable than gold, and 
when the fluids of the month are very 
much vitiated, its exposed surface will 

fhtly corrode, but it does not blacken 
the teeth, and is not attended with bad 
consequences. 

There is used for filling teeth an amal- 
gam. a compound of mercury and other 
metals, which is highly objectionable. 
There have been ^iven to amalgam fill- 
ings various names, such as Enamel Ce- 
ment, Bone Paste, Diamond Cement, Roy- 
al Succedaneum, Mineral Paste, Adaman- 
tine Cement, Lithodeon, &c. With some 
slight variations it has always been the 
same base article under whatever name it 
lias been presented. By its use for filling 
teeth, the public have for many years 
been imposed upon, and it is still in use 
more or less — I will not say by dentists, 
but by quacks and imposters, " operators 



54 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

on teeth" some of whom are even igno- 
rant of its injurious effects, but many of 
whom know well its qualities, and use it 
only for want of knowing how to fill a 
tooth properly with gold. It is an article 
which can be applied by any one who can 
stop a hollow tooth with wax or putty ; 
and being introduced in a soft state, it 
shrinks from the walls of the cavity in 
hardening, so as to admit the secretions 
of the mouth ; consequently the progress 
of decay is not arrested. Teeth filled 
with this compound which soon oxydizes, 
become dark colored and are often ren- 
dered so black even into their fangs, that 
it is difficult if not impossible to restore 
them. The author has a collection of 
teeth which he has extracted, filled with 
these amalgams, that will fully illustrate 
the above statement. In the mouth of 
individuals highly susceptible to the in- 
fluence of mercury, if much of this filling 
is used, it is liable to produce salivation, 



TIIE DENTAL ADVISER. 55 

and in most cases it is apt to produce dis- 
eases of the gums, mucous membrane of 
mouth, &c, therefore it should never be 
used. 



ARTIFICIAL TEETH. 

On account of the great liability of the 
human teeth to decay, and the means of 
their preservation being so much neglect- 
ed, but few persons arrive at even years 
of maturity without loosing more or less 
of these valuable organs. 

To such perfection has the art of den- 
tistry reached, that their loss can be sup- 
plied by artificial ones, not only so com- 
pletely resembling the natural organs as 
not to be detected by the most critical ob- 
server, but are also very useful in masti- 
cation and speaking, and restore to the 
face its natural appearance. Mineral teeth 



56 



THE DEXTAL ADVISER. 



are the only kind now used as artificial 

substitutes. They are composed princi- 
pally of feldspar and sllex. Artificial 
gums are made of similar materials, only 
colored. These teeth are incorruptible, 
not being affected at all by any action 
of the fluids of the mouth, and "they al- 
ways retain their color. 

Artificial teeth can be inserted in any 
number from a single tooth to an entire 
set; and when properly adapted to the 
mouth, can be worn without suffering or 
inconvenience. 

^ The methods of inserting teeth are, with 
pivots on the roots of the natural teeth, on 
plates kept in their place by clasps and 
springs, and by atmospheric pressure. — 
The six upper front teeth are the only 
ones that can be advantageously inserted 
with pivots on the natural roots. If the 
operation be properly performed while the 
roots are in a healthy condition, the teeth 
will in most cases be very serviceable for 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 57 

many years. But if the roots arc much 
diseased it is better to extract them and 
insert teeth on plate. A single tooth 
mounted on plate may be retained in 
place upon the upper jaw by atmospheric 
pressure, but when only parts of sets are 
needed, it is generally better to secure 
them by means of clasps, when it can be 
done without injury to the natural teeth, 
Whole sets are sometimes retained in 
place by springs, but can be held very 
much firmer on the principle of atmos- 
pheric pressure, and are much more con- 
venient to the wearer, as springs are more 
or less troublesome. 

The utility of artificial teeth depends 
upon their being properly made and nice- 
ly adapted to the mouth. As no two ca- 
ses are precisely alike, much ingenuity 
and accuracy of execution are requisite- 
in constructing and applying them so 
that they will remain firm in their place 

and not be productive of injur v to the 
4 



58 THE DENTAL ADVISER, 

parts with which they are connected, and 
at the same time be easily removed and 
replaced by the wearer. But when arti- 
ficial teeth are improperly inserted, they 
are a source of great trouble and incon- 
venience to the patient, and are often- 
times productive of irreparable injuries. 

Hence the importance of employing 
those only who are well known to be re- 
liable and skillful operators. 

Many who pretend to insert teeth on 
atmospheric pressure, do not seem to un- 
derstand the principle at all, as the teeth 
they insert barely stay in place from the 
form of the jaw, without being retained 
in the least by atmospheric pressure, and 
are a source of trouble and inconvenience 
to those who wear them, as they so easily 
get out of place. The firmness with 
which teeth applied upon this principle, 
adhere to the gums, depends upon the 
proper form of the plate. 

When teeth inserted in this way are 



THE DENTAL ADVISER, 59 

properly constructed and fitted, they will 
hold iii their place very firmly, and can 
not he easily pulled down with the thumb 
and finger. The author has inserted 
many sets that will hold a weight of 
twenty or thirty pounds, and in all cases 
has been able to make them adhere with 
great tenacity. But unless great judg- 
ment and skill be used in their construct- 
ion, an entire failure may be expected, or 
at least they never can be worn with com- 
fort and satisfaction. When artificial 
teeth are inserted where the alveolar ridge 
is much absorbed and the gums are shrunk 
away, the deficiency of the natural gums 
should be supplied by artificial gums, 
which can be made perfectly, resembling 
the natural. 

Gold is the best metal for plates em- 
ployed in inserting artificial teeth, and is 
m-ue extensively used than any other. 

Silver is sometimes used for temporary 
purposes. 



60 THE DENTAL ADVISEH. 

Platinum has long been used for den- 
tal purposes, and withstands the action of 
the fluids of the mouth as well as gold. 

There has recently been introduced a 
method of inserting teeth, in which case 
platinum only can be used. This plan 
consists principally in cementing single 
teeth to platinum plates, which are used 
instead of gold, as they will withstand the 
great heat necessary to fuse this cement 
to the plates, which gold will not. 



ARTIFICIAL PALATES AND OBTURATORS, 

There are persons who have defects of 
the palate or roof of the mouth, which 
are either congenital or are produced by 
disease. When these defects can not be 
remedied by surgical operations they may 
be in most cases, by means of artificial 
palates made of gold, so as to render such 
defects scarcely perceptible. 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 61 



CIIL9KOF0M AND ETHER. 

Chloroform and ether are colorless liq- 
uids, the vapor of which has been exten- 
sively used by inhalation, for the last few 
years, for producing insensibility to pain 
during surgical operations. A preference 
has been given to the use of ether in the 
New England states, either from its being 
regarded as less dangerous than chloro- 
form, or from the fact that its use was 
here discovered. But generally both in 
Europe and hi the United States, chloro- 
form has the preference, and is considered 
no more dangerous than ether. A much 
less quantity of chloroform than of ether 
is requisite to produce the anaesthetic ef- 
fect. Its action is much more rapid and 
complete, it is more agreeable to inhale, 
is not so apt as ether to produce cough- 
ing, and its effects pass off sooner after 
inhalation is suspended. 



62 THE DENTAL ADYISER. 

A pure concentrated article only, should 
be used, and should be administered with 
great caution. Most of the bad effects 
resulting from the use of chloroform and 
ether, are to be attributed to the use of 
an impure article, or from its being inju- 
diciously administered. 

The author has given chloroform or 
ether in several hundred cases in extract- 
ing teeth, and in other severe operations ; 
giving it in all cases when the patient has 
desired it, unless where he considered it 
hazardous on account of disease or infir- 
mity, and has not witnessed any unfavor- 
able results. His method of administer* 
ing them is to diffuse a little of the liquid 
upon a handkerchief or napkin, and hold 
it over the mouth and nostrils so as to be 
fully inhaled, and generally in about a 
minute or two the desired effect will be 
produced. 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 63 



QUACKERY. 

" Be watchful, ye — whose fond maternal arm, 
Would shield defenceless infancy from harm, 
Mark well the hour when nature's rights demand 
The skillful practice of the dentist's hand. 
But use discretion :— oft imposture wears 
The same external guise that merit bears ; 
And bold pretenders show consummate wit, 
By duping others to abandon it. 

Beware of those whom science never taught 
The hard but useful drudgery of thought, 
For while in indolence their years have run, 
They ask the wealth that industry has won : — 
Can charity for such desire success ? 
No, let them eat the bread of idleness. 
On just desert let all success attend, 
And patient merit never want a friend." 

There are ignorant pretenders to know- 
ledge and skill in the dental, as well as in 
all other professions. Most persons, how- 
ever, seem not to be aware how much im- 
posture, bold, daring, unblushing quack- 
ery, there is in many of those who oper- 
ate on teeth, particularly among the itin- 



64 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

erating class, who stalk abroad with clam- 
orous pretensions to surpassing skill and 
success, whose assurance is often a substi- 
tute for merit. These quacks have no 
hesitation in assuming the title of Doctor ; 
and stealing the mantle of science and 
wearing it without license, trusting to 
luck for such qualifications as they deem 
necessary, going on for years without 
troubling themselves to obtain a scientific 
knowledge of the profession which they 
attempt to practice, but which they only 
disgrace. What little knowledge they do 
possess is usually merely mechanical, 
without any acquaintance with the anato- 
my and pathology of the mouth and teeth, 
which must go hand in hand with me- 
chanical skill, or the operator will meet 
with insurmountable obstacles. 

These Vandals are to be found in every 
city and almost every town and village in 
the land, and their ruthless depredations 
are almost daily to be met with in the 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. f G5 

mouths of those who have fallen a prey 
to them. Thousands of teeth are annu- 
ally destroyed by their hands, and the 
amount of injury and pain they inflict by 
various means, it is impossible to estimate. 
Quack dentists arc mostly from that class 
of persons who think but few qualifica- 
tions are needed to be a dentist, and that 
these can be obtained in perhaps a few 
days. With such views they procure 
some tools, and may be a few books, and 
in a short time claim to be Dentists from 
some large City. 

For illustration, a case or two will be 
given. A carpenter by trade came into 
the office of the author, and looking at 
the instruments and other apparatus, re- 
marked that he did'nt see why he could'nt 
operate on teeth as well as any body. Be- 
ing told that he probably could by devo- 
ting sufficient time and attention to the 
study of the business, he inquired the ex- 
pense and the length of time necessary. 



66 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

On being informed, he replied that he 
could not afford to spend so much time 
and money just to study Dentistry. In 
less than six weeks he was among strang- 
ers, assuming the title of Dr. , from 

Boston, advertising to perform operations 
on teeth, such as cleansing, filling, extrac- 
ting, setting on pivot, &c., and could be 
seen going from door to door, inquiring if 
any one wished for operations on teeth. 

Another, who had worked at black- 
smithing, called and said he was making 
himself some tools to "fix teeth with" and 
wanted to borrow some books to " read 
dentistry." In a very few weeks he was 
heard of in various places offering his ser- 
vices as a Dentist, and making great pre- 
tensions to skill and experience. 

Although such operators are destitute 
of the qualifications requisite for a Den- 
tist, it is not to be supposed that they are 
wholly ignorant of human nature and of 
means to obtain business. 



TTTE DENTAL ADVISER. 61 

Knowing that every one loves to save 
money and avoid suffering, they usually 
advertise to perform operations at low pri- 
ces and without causing pain. Also they 
are ready to warrant their work, and are 
perfectly safe in doing so, as they seldom 
stop in one place long enough to have 
their work fairly tested. As to perform- 
ing operations without causing pain, per- 
haps they do in filling teeth, by half exca- 
vating the cavity and half compressing the 
filling. But in extracting teeth, can it 
be supposed that their irons are easy to 
the teeth, or that they can wield them 
better than the most scientific and expe- 
rienced ? Or in treating tooth-ache and 
diseases of the mouth and teeth, can they 
understand it better than those who have 
pursued a thorough course of study and 
are experienced? 

But how can they afford to do their 
work cheap 1 Because they have spent 
little or nothing in qualifying themselves, 



68 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

and by using cheap materials. Opera- 
tions performed by this class of workmen, 
instead of being cheap, usually prove to 
be dear ones, as they oftentimes are pro- 
ductive of serious injuries. 

The writer would by no means advo- 
cate exorbitant prices, but only a fair 
compensation for dental operations. 

These operators are patronized, and 
will continue to be as long as many seek 
for cheap, instead of skillful dentists, and 
are not willing to pay for such operations 
as would be serviceable to them. 

There is a class of dentists to be found, 
particularly in large cities, who are far 
from being the most scientific, and who 
do not receive the patronage of those who 
best understand how operations upon the 
teeth should be performed. In order to 
obtain patronage they load the newspa- 
pers, particularly those which go into the 
country, with flaming advertisements of 
wonderful discoveries and improvements 



THE DENTAL ADVISES. G9 

in dental science. Such advertisements 
arc usually not worthy of notice, as all 
inventions and improvements of real value 
are soon in the hands of all the most 
learned and scientific dentists. 

By this means strangers are attracted 
to their offices for operations, supposing 
them to be superior to others who disdain 
to resort to such bombastic pretensions, 
and who rely only upon their real merit 
for patronage. And the true character of 
this boisterous class of dentists is not as- 
certained by those who employ them, un- 
til they find bv suffering and inconveni- 
ence, that they have paid their money for 
inferior operations, which are of little or 
no service to them. 

There is another class of dentists who 
are patronized and sustained on account 
of their excellent character and good qual- 
ities as citizens, and who may be honest in 
their intentions, yet for wantPof sufficient 
studv of the science, or of mechanic skill, 



70 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

or for some other reason, they do not suc- 
ceed in performing operations so as to give 
satisfaction, particularly in more difficult 
cases. And many of those who employ 
them, after they find their work is inferior 
to that of other dentists, are unwilling to 
find fault, because, as they say, " He is 
such a very fine man I would not wish to 
injure him." 



QUALIFICATIONS REQUISITE FOR A DENTIST. 

A dental practitioner should possess 
sound judgment, a good degree of mechan- 
ical ingenuity, steadiness of hand, firmness 
of nerve, and should exercise complete 
self-possession, the greatest carefulness, 
and due regard to the feelings of the pa- 
tient ; for many persons when about to 
submit to some dental operation, however 
simple, ofeen manifest oppressive fears and 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 71 

nervous excitement, and this is the mo- 
ment in which the dentist should manifest 
sympathy and speak a word of encourage- 
ment. The dentist in performing his op- 
erations, should not make pecuniary gain 
his only object, but should regard the real 
welfare and lasting good of his patients. 
He should make real excellence his con- 
stant aim, and render himself worthy of 
the unlimited confidence of those who fa- 
vor him with their patronage. 

Although the dentist may be the most 
careful and scientific in performing oper- 
ations, yet if any difficulty occurs, all the 
blame is liable to be attached to him, from 
the fact that those who have operations 
performed are not aware of the insur- 
mountable difficulties and perplexities 
which the dentist has to encounter. 

In filling teeth, those who perform the 
operation in the most thorough manner, 
are liable to be accused of being harsh, as 
it is apt to cause more pain, thoroughly to 



72 THE DENTAL ADYISER. 

excavate the cavity and press the filling 
so as to preserve the tooth, than it is to 
perform the operation as slightly and im- 
perfectly as many do. 



DENTAL EDUCATION. 

It is highly important that the dentist 
who is entrusted with the management of 
60 valuable organs as the human teeth, 
should have a thorough, scientific know- 
ledge of his profession, even as much so 
as the medical practitioner, the general 
surgeon, or men of other professions. 

A thorough knowledge of this science 
can not be obtained without devoting con- 
siderable time and study to it. The den- 
tal practitioner should possess a minute 
acquaintance with the anatomy of the 
head, mouth, teeth, etc., and should be fa- 
miliar with all the various diseases to 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 73 

which they are subject, their treatment 
and remedy. lie should also have a 
knowledge of general anatomy and path- 
ology. 

There are now several Dental Colleges 
in the United States, where the most thor- 
ough instructions are given in Dental Sci- 
ence, on a plan similar to that of Medical 
Institutions. There are also many scien- 
tific dentists of whom instruction can be 
obtained, therefore no one who makes 
choice of the dental profession as a busi- 
ness, need be destitute of the requisite 
qualifications. 

In Dental Colleges the student is re- 
quired to attend two full courses of lec- 
tures, which, in connection with the nec- 
essary study occupies about two years. 
Without devoting at least as much time 
as this to the study, no one should be con- 
sidered qualified to practice as a dentist. 

This subject is more fully discussed in 
the following, from the pen of Professor 
5 



74 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

Handy : " The object of dental education is 
assuredly the same as that of medical ed- 
ucation, to wit, the relief of suffering hu- 
manity by applying all the resources of 
medicine and surgery to the cure of the 
diseases of the dental organs — as that of 
medical education, under the head of gen- 
eral medicine and surgery, does to all the 
diseases of the whole body. In other 
words, dental education is only a link in 
the great chain of medical knowledge — 
that it is a part and parcel of the same 
great science, rests upon the same immu- 
table laws, and must consequently be stud- 
ied in all its extent and relations, for the 
practical and proper application of those 
general principles which belong to any 
one part as well as to the whole of the 
body. 

It is no objection to urge that because 
the dental organs are of limited extent, 
that therefore the object is not the same — 
or at most, that dental education is not re- 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. i>) 

quired to be near so extensive as that of 
the medical. With equal propriety, it 

might be urged, that as the eye and the 
ear form but very small portions of the 
whole body, that those, therefore, who de- 
vote their whole time to the cure of the 
diseases of these organs, have no need of 
any further knowledge of the rest of the 
system, and that, as they practice no fur- 
ther, that consequently their object is not 
the same as that of the general practition- 
er. But no such a position has ever for 
a moment been entertained by anyone; 
but on the contrary, our ablest physicians 
and surgeons are always selected to pre- 
side over those large infirmaries for the 
cure of the diseases of the eye and the ear ; 
and from the settled belief and undoubted 
truth of such convictions, that he that is 
most familiar with the whole body and all 
its diseases, would be most likely to re- 
lieve any particular part of the same body 
when deranged and requiring treatment. 



76 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

Now, if such be true of the eye and the 
ear — the same must be as certainly true of 
teeth and the whole of the dental appara- 
tus — for no one pretends to question the 
fact that the teeth are organized bodies, 
though this statement was formerly dispu- 
ted, and even in this day of progressive 
knowledge and discovery, practically de- 
nied, by all the host of dental pretenders, 
who go to work upon the teeth as they 
would upon so many nails driven into the 
billet of wood, just as if there was not a 
spark of vitality present— though the sense 
of pain thrilling through the sensitive 
nerves of the patient, declares in the loud- 
est language of nature, that the teeth are 
organized, and that the assurances of boas- 
ted ignorance should stand abashed and 
ashamed to attempt the repair of such del- 
icate structures of nature's workmanship. 
* $ # # # 

To perpetuate and extend this high 
honor and usefulness is a sacred trust, be- 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 77 

queathed to those who are about or shall 
hereafter enter the ranks of the dental pro- 
1( ion. To secure and guard this trust, we 
desire, therefore, most earnestly, to insist 
upon, as a fundamental element, the abso- 
lute necessity of a thorough dental education. 

Presuming enough has been said in sup- 
port of the position that the object in both 
a dental and medical education is the 
same — we are now prepared to discuss the 
last point w r e propose to notice, which is 
to consider the means of attaining this 
object. The object of both professions 
being the same, it necessarily follows that 
the means used in each must also be the 
same — and these may be summarily ar- 
ranged under three heads, viz: 1 Physi- 
cal, 2 Mental, 3 Moral. 

These threefold means or instrumental- 
ities refer to the compound being or three- 
fold nature of man, as being endowed 
with material instruments, intellectual 
and moral powers. 



78 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

The highest possible education of each 
of these several agencies, forms the surest 
guarantee of the highest possible skill, 
success, and eminence, both in dental as 
well as the medical profession. 

The hands as representative of the 
physical means, must be constantly exer- 
cised, so as to acquire that nice tact so 
necessary, in all the various surgical and 
mechanical manipulations upon the mouth 
and face, and still further of unfolding, 
by means of the knife, all the various 
tissues of the body, so as to acquire that 
anatomical knowledge, which is of such 
vast importance as to form at once, both 
the basis and guide in rearing the super- 
structures of either practical dentistry or 
general surgery — and this anatomical 
knowledge, so necessary for practical pur- 
poses, (we here desire to state,) can no- 
where be obtained in books — the dissecting 
room is the only place it is to be found, 
and can here be secured onlv by the most 



THE DENTAL ADVISER. 79 

assiduous and untiring perseverance in the 
use of the knife, in dissecting the whole 
and every part of the body. 

The mental means refer to the educa- 
tion of all the faculties of the mind, in 
the acquisition of all kinds of knowl- 
edge, both dental and medical, that can, 
in any way, assist the dental student in 
reaching the highest possible point of 
dental intellectual eminence, by which 
his reasoning powers will become so thor- 
oughly drilled, that he can readily dis- 
criminate with the greatest conceivable 
accuracy the relations of cause and effect, 
and thus most effectually apply the vast 
and varied resources of his intellectual 
storehouse to the best method of restoring 
to health any of the dental organs that 
may be deranged. 

The moral means constitute the master 
and finishing stroke of the dental educa- 
tion, which is deemed necessarv to the at- 



80 THE DENTAL ADVISER. 

tainment of the highest possible of pro- 
fessional dental excellence. 

Without the education of the heart, in 
the exercise of all those high moral and 
elevated feelings of benevolence and char- 
ity, of obeying the golden rule of duty as 
well as of professional etiquette, to wit, of 
doing unto others as we would that oth- 
ers should do unto us. We say, without 
this latter species of education, all the 
brightness of the two former, however so 
brilliant, will necessarily wear a shadow, 
which in proportion to its extent and in- 
tensity, must in like proportion eclipse the 
usefulness, and detract from the otherwise 
high eminence which lias been attained." 



iSs 






CCTAGON DENTAL ESTABLISHMENT, 
FI TCHB UR G, Mas*. 



.«-»«. 

DENTIST, 

AND 

MANUFACTURER OF MINERAL TEETH, 

®mmm ibisdilidqbis* 

MAIN STREET ,FITCHBlKO, 

Would say to his numerous patrons and the public 
generally, that he is constantly prepared to perform all 
the various operations pertaining to his profession, in the 
most thorough and scientific manner, and that his New 
Establishment is fitted up in the best style for the 
accommodation and comfort of patients, and with un- 
surpassed facilities for business. He would further say 
that by great experience and exceeding carefulness, he 
is able to perform operations with comparative freedom 
from pain. 

lie intends to make his charges so moderate, that all 
may avail themselves of the benefits to be derived from 
the Science of Dentistry. 



b ADVERTISEMENT. 

Filling and Cleansing Teeth. 

He would say, that he gives the most particular atten- 
tion to the preservation of the Natural Teeth, which is 
of the first importance, by very carefully and nicely 
Filling and Cleansing them. 




ARTIFICIAL TEETH. 



He is also constantly supplying Artificial Teeth, 
under every variety of circumstances, from a Single 
Tooth to an Entire Set, with or without Artificial Gums, 
upon his highly approved methods, which are giving the 
highest satisfaction. 

The Teeth which he inserts are manufactured at his 
Dental Laboratory, from the most choicely selected 
materials, which gives him advantages to adapt their 
form and color to each case, superior to Dentists who do 
not manufacture Teeth. They are not surpassed for 
Htility, beauty, durability, and ease and comfort to the 
\'.\ a£ hundreds who are wearing them can testifv. 



ADVERTISEMENT, 



Teeth Inserted upon a New Plan, 



This consists principally in cementing Single Teeth 
to Platinum Plates, forming a continuous gum, givil . 
the work a very natural appearance and rendering it 
easily kept clean. 

Platinum is the only metal which can be used for 
plates for this kind of work, as it will withstand the 
sireat heat which is necessary to fuse this cement to the 
plate, which gold will not. This plan is mostly used for 
half and whole sets of Teeth, on the Atmospheric Pres- 
sure principle. 



Extracting Teeth, 



Dr. P. has extracted over nine thousand Teeth during 
the last eight years of his practice ; a large number of 
which, have been extracted while the patient was render- 
ed insensible to pain through the effects of Chloroform 
or Ether. 

With such extensive experience and with the greatest 
facdities, he feels sure of success in all cases, and will 
pledge himself to extract Teeth, however difficult, w ith 
the greatest carefulness and facility, and the least possi- 
ble pain to the patient. 



8 ADVERTISEMENT. 

Treating Irregularities of the Teeth, 

This is an operation which but few Dentists under- 
take, and which, to insure success, requires the greatest 
perseverance and the most consummate skill. 

Dr. P. has adjusted the most difficult cases of irregu- 
larity with the most extraordinary success, and would 
suggest to those whose Teeth are irregular, the import- 
ance of the operation. 



ARTIFICIAL PALATES. 

He would say to the few who have defects of the nat- 
ural Palate, causing impediments of speech and other in- 
conveniences, that he can supply artificial substitutes, so 
as in a great measure to remedy these difficulties. 



DENTIFRICES. 

Dr. P. dispenses in his practice, a highly approved 
Tooth Powder, for correcting an offensive breath, and 
cleansing and beautifying the Teeth. Having alkaline 
properties, it neutralizes the sceptic condition of the fluids 
of the mouth, resulting from decayed teeth, 30iir stom- 
ach, &c. 

— ALSO — 

Palmer's Aromatic 3?Iouth Wash. 

A superior preparation for Spongy Gums, Canker, In- 
ilatnation of the mucus membrane of the Mouth and 
Throat, and imparts a delightful fragrance to the breath. 



ADVERTISEMENT 



ACCOMMODATIONS. 



Dr. P. would inform those residing at a distance, that 
he is prepared to furnish entertainment at his Dental 
Establishment, to those who may wish, while stop- 
ping to have operations performed. 

For the greater accommodation of his numerous pat- 
rons and the citizens generally, of the neighboring 
towns, he ha3 had constructed a 

MOVABLE DENTAL OFFICE, 

AN» HAS CONNECTED WITH HIM IN BUSINESS AN 

EXPERIENCED DENTIST, 

who will visit with this Office, the towns in the vicinity 
of Fitchburg. giving to those who may wish, a favorable 
opportunity to consult him in regard to their Teeth, and 
to have operations performed. 



10 TESTIMONIALS. 

DR. PALMER'S 
TESTIMONIALS. 



To the many for whom he has performed operations 
he considers testimonials of his qualifications unnecessa- 
ry; but to strangers he considers it but justice to say 
that he has availed himself of the greatest advantages 
which the country affords, to thoroughly qualify himself 
for his profession ; and that he has testimonials of quali- 
fication of no ordinary degree, from gentlemen of the 
first standing in the profession, to whom he has been sub- 
jected for examination in each and every branch of the 
Dental Art. 

He is a regular graduate of the Baltimore Dental Col- 
lege, and Fellow of the American Society of Surgeon 
Dentists. 

He would also refer th Q m to the following gentlemen 
in this place and vicinity, a few of the many who have 
tested his practical skill :— 

ALFRED HITCHCOCK, M. D., Fitchburg. 

T. R. BOUTELLE, M. D., 

P. S. SNOW, M. D., 

L. PILLSBURY, M. D., 

O. L. HUNTLEY, M. D., 

C. W. WILDER, M. D., 



TESTIMONIALS. 11 

T. W. WADSWORTH, M. D., Pitchburo. 

C. ROBINSON, M. 1)., 

HON. MOSES WOOD, 

N. WOOD, Esq., 

ALVAH CROCKER, Esq., 

C. H. B. SNOW, Esq., 

G. F. BAILEY, Esq., 

A. NORCROSS, Esq., 

L. DOWNE, Esq., 

T. K. WARE, Esq., 

Col. IVERS PHILLIPS, 

WALTER HEYWOOD, 

DAVID BOUTELLE, 

STEPHEN SHEPLEY, 

HENRY J. LOWE, 

BEN J. SNOW, Jr. 

J. B. LANE, Druggist, " 

WM. B. TOWNE, 

H. HILL, Deputy Sheriff, " 

L. H. BRADFORD, 

C. MARSHALL, " 

Rev. E. DAVIS, 

Dea. J. T. FARWELL, 

Dea. ABEL THURSTON, 

McINTIRE & JAQUITH, Fitchburg Hotel. 

PHILLIPS & HAMMOND, American House, Fitcirg. 

C. HAYWARD, Rollstone House, Fitchburg. 

REV. E. W. BULLARD, Royalston. 

REV. QUINCY WHITNEY, Westminster. 

J. R. GAIJT, Preceptor of Westminster Academy. 

C. C. FIELD, M. D., Leominster. 



12 TESTIMONIALS. 

C. H. COLBURN, P. M., 

WM. H. CUTLER, M. D., Ashburnham. 

A. MILLER, M. D., 

W. D. PECK, M. D., Sterling. 

DR. KING, Lunenburg. 

DR. COCHRAN, New Ipswich, N. H. 

DR. KITRIDGE, « " 



THE HIGHEST PREMIUMS 

Were awarded to Dr. Palmer for superior specimens of 
Artificial Teeth, at the Fairs held at Fitchburg, in 1850, 
1851, and 1852. 



TESTIMONIALS. 13 

:jD 22 E3P Ua C£} S*2 <£^ SE3 a 
TRANSLATIONS. 



OF 

BALTIMORE. 



£0 all to tot)om tfiese Settees mai> eome, 

Greeting : 

THOMAS PALMER, a virtuous, honest, and talented 
man, has been a student with us, and has devoted him- 
self so diligently to the Science in which we are particu- 
larly skilled, that after a sufficient term of time having 
elapsed in our Halls, and having been referred to an ex- 
amination by our Curators, he has shown himself suffic- 
iently accomplished in the studies, and we have created 
him a Doctor of Dental Surgery, and have conferred up- 
on him all the honors, rights and privileges belonging to 
this profession. In testimony of which we have sub- 
scribed to these letters our names, sanctioned by the 
Seal of the Academy. 

Dated Baltimore, February 15th, 1847. 

[Seal.] C. A. HARRIS, M. D., D. D. S. 

Prof. Principles and Practice, Dental >Surgerr 

THOS. E. BOND, A. M., M. D. 

Prof. Special Pathology and Therapeutioa 

W. R. HANDY, M. D. 

Prof. Anatomy and Physiology 

AMOS WESTCOTT, A. M., M. D. 

Prof. Operative and Mechanical Dentistrr 



14 TESTIMONIALS. 

THE AMERICAN SOCIETY 



£0 cacb an* all, to tojom tjfs mag come, 

Greeting : 

Be it known, that THOMAS PALMER, D. D. S., is 

a member of our Society, instituted in the year of our 
Lord, One Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty, for the 
purpose of promoting the art of Dentistry. He is a man 
of talents, of spotless character and of superior skill in 
the above mentioned profession. Therefore, by virtue 
of this diploma, we permit and direct him, always and 
everywhere, to claim for himself the privileges of this so- 
ciety. 

And, of these things, our common seal affixed to this 
parchment, and the names of the President and Secretary 
of the Society subscribed, are a witness. 

Given in the city of New York, on the eighth day of 
March, in the year of our Lord, One Thousand Eight 
Hundred and Forty-seven. 

[Seal.] E. PARMLY, President. 

AMOS WESTCOTT, Secretary. 









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